Easy Appetizers
Peppercorn-Cheese Melt----------------------------------------------
Remove and discard the top rind from a round of Cambozola, Camembert, or Brie cheese. Place in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with coarsely ground mixed peppercorns and chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans.
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is softened and just begins to melt. Serve with slices of coarse-grain bread, crusty bread slices, or an assortment of crackers.
Roasted Garlic Spread--------------------------------------------------
Peel away the dry outer layers of skin from 1 head of garlic, leaving skins and cloves in tact. Cut off the pointed top portion (about 1/4 inch) leaving the bulb intact but exposing the individual cloves. Place the garlic head, cut side up, in a muffin cup or custard cup. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Cover with foil and bake in a 425 degree ovenfor 25 to 35 minutes or until cloves feel soft when pressed. Set aside just until cool enough to handle. Squeeze out hte garlic paste from individual cloves. Spread on crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or crackers.
Pesto Roll-Ups-----------------------------------------------------------
Separate 1 package of refrigerated crescent rolls into triangles and spread with purchased basil pesto. Cut each triangle in half, making 16 long triangles. Roll up triangles and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.
